Gang apparatus for tightening a plurality of threaded fastening elements



Oct. 12, 1954 D. sTEvENs ErAL 2,691,314

GANG APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING A PLURALITY OF THREADED FASTENING ELEMENTS Flled July 17, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet l TTOQNE Y.

oct. 12, 1954 D. STEVENS ETAL 2,691,314 GANG APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING A PLURALITY OF THREADED FASTENING ELEMENTS Filed July 17, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 D/L 0^/ STEL/ENS, o IIE/Vey Z'M. RICE,

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Oct. l2, 1954 D. STEVENS ETAL GANG APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING A PLURALITY OF THREADED FASTENING ELEMENTS 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 17, 1951 mwN EW Mmmm www. Nh

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rroeA/Ef.

Oct. 12, 1954 D. STEVENS E1- AL 2,691,314

GANG APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING A PLURALITY OF THREADED FASTENING ELEMENTS Filed July 17. 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 .0M/.0N STEVENS, HENQY 11M. R/CE,

055er lI.' .STEVE/vs,

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Oct. 12, 1954 D. STEVENS ETAL GANG APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING A PLURALITY OF THREADED FASTENING ELEMENTS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 17, 1951 D/LLo/v S-EVEN LISA/@y M. B/CE,

Boeer I rE/E/vs,

INVENTORS Oct. 12, 1954 D. STEVENS ET AL 2,691,314

GANG APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING A PLURALITY oF THREADED FASTENING ELEMENTS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 17, 1951 Afr Source HFA/QV 17M. BME, 05527' STEVE/vs, INVENTORS.

Patented Oct. 12, 1954 than GANG APPARATUS F OR TIGHTENING A PLU- RALITY OF THREADED FASTENING ELE- MENTS Dillon Stevens, Los Angeles, Henry T. M. Rice, San Marino, and vRobert T. Stevens, Altadena,

Calif.; said Rice and assignors to said Dillo said Robert T. Stevens n Stevens Application July 17, 1951, Serial No. ,237,204

(Cl. ill-52.4)

i9 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to apparatus :for tightening a group of threaded fastening elements at `the same time.

It is highly desirable to tighten ka plurality of threaded fastening elements holding two or more parts together at the same time. One advantage is the-economical aspect of saving time, especially in mass .production operations. Another importantadvantage lies in the fact that distortions in the parts can be avoidedifeaoh fastening element carries .its proper share of the load. Apparatus has been proposed for simultaneously rotating threaded fastening elements, but such elements have been tightened to non-uniform turques. As a practical matter, it is virtually impossible to tighten yall fastening elements to the same extent and .at the same instant of time. rIn using` gang apparatus, one threaded fastening element will tighten before another, and, when the latter has been tightened, it relieves the rst tightened element of part of the `load to which it had been subjected previously; so that the iirst element is insufoiently tight, andmay, in `fact, be loose. The net result is the non-uniform and inadequate securing of the parts together, which, in some cases, might result in their distortion. `One remedy is to re-tghten the .loose elements, but when this is done, other elements arerelieved of a portion of their load and become inadequately tightened.

Accordingly, it is an objectof the present invention to provide gang apparatus capable of simultaneouslyoperating upon a plurality of threaded fastening elements, to tighten all of such elements to substantially the same predetermined torque.

Another object of the invention .is to provide apparatus for initially and substantially `simultaneously tightening a plurality of threaded fastening elements, release the driving efforts `from the elements, and then reapply the driving effort thereto, to insure that all of the ,fastening elements -have been tightened to the desired andpredetermined torque value.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for tightening a plurality of threaded fastening elements by substantially simultaneously imparting progressively higher turques thereon, to insure that all of the elements will be tightened to substantially the same nal torque.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved apparatus capable of initially partially tightening a groupofthreaded fastening elements and then imposing a greater Vtorque or turning effort-on.suohelements ,In this connection, the

elements .are operated upon simultaneously, `to

Z insure that all or them will be tightened to the desired predetermined and nal torque value substantially simultaneously, thereby minimizing, if not eliminating entirely, distortions in the Worl; to which the elements are applied.

Yet a yfurther object of the invention is to provideanapparatus capable of substantially simultaneously rotating a plurality of vthreaded lasteningelements, to tighten them to a predetermined torque value, and of then substantially simultaneously reapplying the turning effort to the elements to insure their tightened condition.

Still another object of the invention is to provide gangtorque transmittingapparatus for operating simultaneously on an irregular pattern of threaded fastening elements, to tighten them in stages to a predetermined iinal torque value.

A further object of the invention is to provide gang apparatus capable of simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded 4fastening elements and automatically releasing the turning effort applied to each element upon its being tightened to a predetermined .torqua the apparatus being reapplied to the elements after they have all been tightened to the predetermined torque -to again operate upon them simultaneously, the turing effort reapplied to each of the elements again being automatieally released upon-its being vtightened to the same or a higher predetermined torque, depending upon the adjustment of the apparatus.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide iluid controlled gang apparatus for simultaneously rotating a-plurality of threaded fastening elements and for automatically vreleasing the turning effort applied to each element vupon its being `tightened to a predetermined torque, in which --the torque at which the turning .eiort is released can be varied by varying the fluid pres-n sure differential to which the apparatus is subjected.

Another object oi the invention is to provide iuid controlled gang apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements and for automatically releasing the turning effort applied to each element upon its being tightened to a predeterminedtorque, whereupon the fluid pressure vdiiierential to which the apparatus is subjected is automatically increased to effect substantially simultaneous retightening of the elements to a higher predetermined torque value upon reapplioation of the apparatus to the elements.

Still anotherobject of the invention is to provide magnetically controlled gang apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements and for automaticall,7 releasing the turning ei'lort applied to each element ipon its being tightened to a predetermined torque, in which the torque at which the turning effort is released can be varied by varying the magnetic force to which the apparatus is subjected.

Yet another object or the invention is to provide magnetically controlled gang apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality or threaded fastening elements and for automatically releasing the turning effort applied to each element upon its being tightened to a predetermined torque, whereupon the magnetic force to which the apparatus is subjected is automatically increased to effect substantially simultaneous retightening of the elements to a higher predetermined torque value upon reapplication of the apparatus to the elements.

Still a further object of the invention is tol insure the proper coupling engagement of gang apparatus with a plurality of threaded fastening elements When the apparatus and plurality of elements are moved relatively toward each other.

rhis invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of several forms in which it may be embodied. Such forms are shoivn in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the These forms will now be described in detail, illustrating the general princi les of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best donned oy the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of one form ci apparatus embodying the invention;

liig. 2 is a timing diagram illustrating the sequence of events occurring in the apparatus disclosed in Fig. l;

`Eig. 3 is a longitudinal section through one oi the fluid controlled, releasable torque transmitting devices embodied in the apparatus shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a view of the releasarble primary clutch teeth forming part of the device shown in Fig. S;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment or apparatus exemplifying the invention;

Fig. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating the sequence of events occurring in the apparatus shown in `Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section through an elecf tromagnetic torque releasing device employed in the apparatus shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of still another embodiment of the apparatus;

Fig. 9 is a timing diagram illustrating the sequence of events occurring in the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. l0 is a longitudinal section through a torque transmitting device employed in the apparatus isclosed in Fig. 8, the parts of the device being shown in driving position;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, somewhat diagrammatic View of the electrical circuit for the device shown in Fig. '10;

Fig. l2 is a view similar to Fig. l0, illustrating the primary clutch portion of the device released;

Fig. i3 is a View similar to Fig. l0, illustrating the primary clutch portion or" the device reengaged and the secondary clutch portion or" the device released;

present specification.

Fig. 14 is a cross-section taken along the line i-iii on Fig. 10;

Fig. l5 is a cross-section taken along the line I5 i5 of Fig. l2;

Fig. 1G is a longitudinal section through one of the control valves embodied in the systems and apparatus disclosed in Figs. 1, 5 and 8;

Fig. 17 is a longitudinal section, with parts shown in elevation, of still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 18 is a cross-section taken along the line iiii8 on Fig. 17;

19 is a diagrammatic view of the control system for operating the gang torque apparatus shown in Fig. i7.

n its general aspects, the invention contemplates apparatus which insures the uniform and substantially simultaneous tightening of a plurality of threaded fastening elements to their ultimate or final predetermined torque values. inasmuch as it is practically impossible to simultaneously rotate a plurality of threaded fastening elements and have them reach a tightened state at the same instant of time, it is proposed to rotate the threaded fastening elements simultaneously and tighten them to a particular degree. is each element reaches such particular degree oi tightness, the driving eiort that has been imparted thereto may be released. After all of the threaded iastening elements have thus been brought to a supposed state of tightness, it would probably be iound that some of the elements have not been tightened to the same torque value. However, all of the elements have effectively been bottomed or brought into close holding engagement against the Work. Accordingly, a reapplication o the apparatus to the threaded fastening elements and the reimposition of the torque simultaneously thereon will then bring all of the threaded elements to the desired degree of tightness, with assurance that they will all be tightened to the proper torque value Within a reasonable and small margin of error.

In a more limited sense, the apparatus is capable of tightening a plurality of threaded fastening elements in stages. The apparatus is rst adjusted to release from each threaded fastening element as the latter is tightened to an initial torque which is substantially less than the desired linal torque value. After all of the elements have thus been rotated and tightened to the initial torque value, the apparatus is adjusted to tighten the elements and to be released therefrom at a higher torque value. Simultaneous application of such higher torque Value to all of the threaded fastening elements will insure that all of such elements will be tightened to the desired value, and that none of them will become loose.

lf desired, more than two stages of torque tightening can occur through suitable adjustment of the apparatus which operates simultaneously upon all oi the threaded fastening elements. Thus, the apparatus may be adjusted to simultaneously impart turning eilort or torque to all of the threaded fastening elements, the turning effort being released from each element when the latter has been tightened to a relatively low torque value. Following release of the turning effort from all of the elements, the apparatus is set to apply a greater torque to all of the elements, which turning eort will be released from each element when it has been tightened to such greater torque. When this occurs, the apparatus can again be set to tighten all of the elements to still a greater or higher torque value, release of the turning -eiort again "taking place vfrom each element .as it reaches the higher torque. value. This procedure can be continued 'until the desired i-"inal torque value has been reached, with assurance that all of the threaded fastening elements w-ill have lbeen tightened to this particular value.

In the form of invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to '4, inclusive, a gang apparatus is disclosed for tightening a plurality of threaded fastening elements lit. In Fig. l, the work W -is illustrated as being carried on a suitable conveyor I I. This work has threaded shafts or studs I2 'extending from it, and it is desired to tighten a plurality of threaded fastening elements I0, in the form of nuts, on such studs, to clamp a head or plate I3 against the main body portion of the work. The'conveyor I I moves 'the Work W, being brought to rest with the nuts ID in axial alignment with automatically releasable torque wrenches I4, Which are suitably carried 'by a plurality of standards or supports I 5 secured to a slide member It that is movable along a stationary frame I 1. The slide `member is movable along the frame, to shift the torque releasing devices I4 to and from the work; to enable the nuts I0, or other threaded fastening elements, to be rotated and tightened to the desired torque value.

The apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 may utilize a .form of torque Wrench such as disclosed in Figs. 3 and 4. This wrench includes an elongated casing or housing I8 having a rearward end wall I3 and a forward cup-shaped end closure 20 threadedlyrsecured in the forward end of the casing I8. The outer end .portion 2l of the cup-shaped closure v2l) may form a bearing support for a spindle i12-rotatably mounted therein, and having a noncircular end portion 23 extending outwardly thereof on which a socket ywrench head 2d (see Fig. 1) may be mounted, of the `proper size and shape to iit the nut I0 that is to be tightened on the work W. The spindle 22 extends inwardly of the casing I8 to a substantial extent, and has secondary driven clutch teeth 25 thereon that can be brought into engagement with secondary driving clutch teeth 26 mounted on a driven spline member 21, which is rotatable in a bearing ring 28 threaded into the casing I8 and clamped thereto by the cup-shaped closure 23. Axial or endwise movement of the driven spline member 2F! is prevented by engagement of the outwardly directed flange portion 29 of the spline member with -one face of the bearing ring 28, and by engagementof a split snap ring 30 with the opposite face of the bearing ring 28, which snap ring is mounted within a peripheral groove 3i in the driven spline member.

Rotation of the driven spline member 2l vis obtained from the driving spline portion 32 of a driven clutch member 33 forming part of a primary torque releasable clutch. The driving spline member `32 has a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves 34 in its inner portion receiving balls 35 which are also rollable along companion longitudinally extending grooves or keyways 36 in the driven spline member 21. It is evident that the balls 35 serve to transmit the motion of the driving spline member 32 to the driven spline member 2l. These balls are prevented from coming out of the driving spline member grooves or keyways 34 by a split stop .ring 37 that may be positioned in a peripheral groove 38 in the drivingspline member 32 and entering partly into the longitudinal grooves 34 vof the driving :spline member.

.llhe .fdriven member 33 of :the Aprimary clutch has a `|pluralityof -axially extending 'teeth 39 that are engageable 'by companion axially extend-'ing teeth MJ 4on the driving member 4I of the primary clutch, which may be formed integrally with a drive shaft 42 extending through the end wall I3 ofthe casing. The driving clutch member 4I may Aengage the inner end lof the wall I9 to prevent its axial movement within the casing in one direction, axial movement of the driving member al and drive shaft-'42 in the oppositedirect-ion being prevented by a snap ring 43 engaging the outer surface-of the .end wall I9 and disposed within a peripheral groove 44 in the drive shaft.

It -is to 'be noted that the coengaging faces '35, 4B 4of the clutch fteeth JIU, 39 are inclined; so that a lcomponent Iof force is present during transmission of 'the turning effort from the driving clutch member 4I to the driven clutch member 33 tending to shift vthe latter axially away from the driving member. 'Such separating tendency is prevented, 'until a'predetermined torque transmitting value is reached, by a lholding device that maintains the clutch teeth in -coupling engage.- ment with one another. As disclosed in Fig. 3, the holding #device includes a valve head or piston lll integral with the driven clutch member 33 and engageable with the driving clutch member '4I to close an exhaust passage T418 through the latter, which may communicate with the atmosphere. A suitable fluid, such as air under pressure, may be introduced into the casing i8 through an inlet pipe or line 49 for action upon the valve head 41, holding it against its Icompanion lseat 50 on the driving clutch member "M and preventing the -air under pressure from exhausting yfrom the casing through the outlet 43. Leakage` from vthe casing is prevented vby suitable rubber, or rubber-like, seal rings fI mounted in grooves 52 in the `end wall F9 and end closure 2t and engaging the peripheries of 'the drive shaft 42 and spindle 22.

The air u-nder pressure within the casing I8 acts upon the inner face ela ofthe valve head 4l, to hold it against its -seat 53 and also to hold the driven clutch teeth 3s in engagementv with the driving clutch teeth im. The driving member `4I may transmit its turning eiort or torque to the driven `member 33, and the air under pressure will act on the head M to maintain such engagement until the longitudinal component of force between the inclined clutch `teeth 33, dii exceeds the fiuid pressure force holding the lhead 4l against its .companion seat 55). When this higher va-lue is reached, vthe head All is moved'oi its sea-t 5U, allowing the air under pressure Within the casing to exhaust kthrough the outlet 68, and causing the driving cam teeth di) to shift the driven v'cam teeth 39 and the driven member 33 axially to the extent in which its teeth 39 are out of the lpath of rotation of the driving teeth 33. The primary clutch fflI, 33 is thus disengaged; so ythat Ano eiiort or motion -is being imparted 4to the driven clutch vmember 323,

As indicated above, the rotation vof the driven clutch rriember '33 -is transmitted to vthe driven spline member 3? through the intervening antifriction Vball elements '35. When the spindle '22 is moved `inwardly of the casing 18, vthe driving and driven clutch teeth '23, '2501" the secondary clutch are engaged to transmit the motion of the .driven spline member 2 to the spindle 22 and from the spindle through the socket Wrench head -24 .to .the nut fit -to be tightened. When the anut -Ili Ahas rbeen tightened .to the predetermined torque value, the yprimary clutch teeth .39, 4in .eine .disengaged :in the :manner described above..

and it is desired to hold the primary clutch in disengaged position until reengagement of the primary clutch cam teeth 3S, 4B and relocation of the valve head 4l against its companion seat EB is again desired.

The device for holding the driven primary clutch member 33 disengaged from the driving member lli includes a plurality of latch balls 53 located in radial holes Ell in the driven spline member 2l. These balls 53 are urged outwardly of the driven spline member by an upper tapered cam face 55 on the end of a latch cam and retainer sleeve 5% surrounding a reduced diameter portion 22a of the spindle 22. An actuating spring 5l bears upon a spindle shoulder 58 and the retainer sleeve b5, to urge the cam face 55 of the latter' against the balls 53, tending to force the latter radially outward. When the primary clutch teeth fl are engaged, the latch balls s3 engage an inner cylindrical surface 5e on the driven clutch member 33, and are ineffective to perform any latching function. However, upon longitudinal or axial shifting of the driven clutch member to its released position, when a predetermined torque transmitting value has been reached, a tapered shoulder @El on the driven member 33 becomes located forwardly oi the balls 53, allowing the cam surface 55 on the sleeve 5S to project the balls 53 outwardly into position upon such shoulder Eil, the cam sleeve 55 then sliding upwardly to locate its cylindrical periphery El behind the latch balls, preventing them from moving inwardly oil the latch shoulder 5d. In this manner, the latch balls 53 hold the driven clutch member 33 disengaged from the driving clutch member i i.

It is to be noted that the latch shoulder Eil on the driven clutch member 33 is inclined in an inward and forward direction, and, because of this inclination, it tends to force the latch balls 53 inwardly of the driven spline member 2'! to a released position, under the influence of a clutch reengaging spring S2 of helical form bearing upon the driven clutch member 33 and a shoulder or iiange E3 on the inner end portion of the spindle 22. However, the spring 62 cannot allow the latch shoulder te to release the latch balls 53, since the latter are then in engagement with the cylindrical periphery S! of the retainer sleeve 5B.

ln using the releasable torque transmitting device disclosed in Fig. 3, the spindle 22 is shifted inwardly oi` the casing i8, to engage the secondary clutch members '25, 26. The primary clutch members 3s, lc are also engaged; so tiat turning effort can be transmitted from the driving shaft d2, through the primary clutch i, 33, spline connection 2, and secondary clutch 26, 25 to the spindle 22, socket head 2li and nut it. When the nut has been tightened to a predetermined torque Value, the longitudinal component of force between the driving and driven cam teeth 39, lil overcomes the holding force of the air pressure on the valve head d1, shifting the latter from its seat 5@ and allowing the air in the casing iii to exhaust to atmosphere. The release oi such holding force, due to the venting of the air under pressure through the passage d8, allows the driving cam teeth il@ to shift the driven cam teeth 32 and the driven clutch member 33 axially in a forward direction, until the latch shoulder to on the driven member is opposite the latch balls 53, whereupon the balls are projected outwardly into a position engaging such shoulder by the actuating spring 5i and retainer sleeve 56, the sleeve coming to rest with its cylindrical 8 periphery 6l behind the balls 53. At this time, the secondary clutch 2t, 25 is engaged, but no driving eilort can be imparted to the spindle 22, since the primary clutch di, 33 has been latched in disengaged position.

When it is desired to re-set the primary clutch, the spindle 22 is shifted in an outward direction by the clutch reengaging spring 62. During such outward or forward movement of the spindle, the flange G3 thereon engages an inturned flange S5 on the retainer sleeve 56, pulling the latter in a forward direction until its cylindrical periphery Si no longer engages the latch balls 53, whereupon the tapered latch shoulder til on the driven clutch member 33 can force the balls radially inward to ineffective position under the influence of the clutch reengaging spring G2, which latter element then reengages the primary clutch teeth 3s, all and the valve head lil with its seat 5t, in order that the apparatus is again in condition to again transmit torque or turning eifort to the spindle 22, provided the spindle is moved rearwardly to reengage the secondary clutch teeth 25, 2t.

The apparatus just described and disclosed specifically in Fig. 3 is mounted in the standards or supports i5 (see Fig. l). Each apparatus la have its individual electric motor 53, or other suitable prime mover, secured to it for rotating the drive shaft The apparatus is also axially movable to at least a slight extent in these standards t5, to insure proper reception of each nut ill within the wrench head or socket it disposed on the non-circular end 23 oi the spindle 22. Such yieldable or slidable movement is obtained by providing a spring seat or flange 5l on the exterior oi each casing and having a spring @8 encircling the casing with one end engaging the seat il? and the other end engaging a rear standard l5. It is evident that with this arrangement, an entire unit or device it can shift rearwardly in the event that the end of the wrench head ill engages an end face of the nut le, which enables the wrench head 2d to rotate or shift angularly relative to the nut to a sufficient degree, whereupon the spring 58 will force the head over the nut to its proper coupling position.

The slide member it and plurality of release able torque transmitting devices hl are movable to and from the nuts l@ and the work W by a duid device. As disclosed in l, this device includes an advancing cylinder Eil suitably secured to the stationary frame 5'? containing an advancing piston li! having a piston rod 'il secured thereto and attached to the slide member l5. When under pressure enters the head end of the cylinder 59, the piston 'ill is urged to the right, as seen in l, to advance the slide member it and the torque transmitting devices Ui toward the nuts lil. W hen the air pressure is release@L from the cylinder 69, a retracting spring l2 will return the slide member i5 and torque transmitting devices it from the worlr W, this spring bearing against the rod end of the piston 'it and also against the rod end of the cylinder t5). The slide member ill is also retractable by a return piston 'i3 disposed within a return cyl inder 'it suitably secured to the frame il' and having a rod 'i5 secured to the piston for engagement with the slide member i5.

Current for simultaneously rotating al1 oi the electric motors 63 is obtained from suitable power lines l5, il that are connected to each motor 6d by suitable conductive leads i3, is. The air entering the casing i8 of each releasable torque transmitting device Illv iiows intov the inlet. pipes or: lines 49 communicating with each casing from a suitable main line or header 3D. The pressure of.' this air depends upon whether or not the header line is com-municable with a low pressure accumulator 8| or with a high pressure accumulator 8'2. Air under pressure flowsV from a suitable source. into a main line 83, from where it can pass through a suitable low pressure regulator valve 8.4. and into the lowpressure accumulator 81|. From the latter, the air can flow through a low pressure line B leading to the inlet end of a low pressure control valve 85 whose outlet end is connected to an outlet line 87 running to a check valve 8B that prevents return flow of air to the outlet line 8l. From the check valve 88, the air passes through a line or conduit 89 connected to the header line 80.

In a similar fashion, air from the main line 83` can pass through a high pressure regulator valve gli into the high pressure accumulator 82, from where it ilows through a high pressure line 9| tothe inlet of a high pressure control valve 92. When this valve is open, the air flows from its outlet to a high pressure line 93 leading to a check valve 913, that prevents return flow of air into the high pressure line 93. From the check valve, the air passes through another line or conduit 95 connected to the header line 85B leading to the releasable torque transmitting devices I4.

The air under pressure for actuating the advancing piston 'Ill in the advancing cylinder 695 is also derived from the main pressure line 83. Thus, a suitable air conduit 96 extends from the main line 83 to the inlet side of a control valve 9T, which, when open, allows the air to flow from the valve outlet into a conduit 98 running to the head end of the advancing cylinder 65. In a similar fashion, air can be fed to the head end of the. return cylinder 1li, passing from the main line 83 through a conduit 99 leading to the inlet of a return cylinder valve Ilil. When this valve is open, air will pass from its outlet to a conduit mi running to the head end of the return cylinder IAL At a particular stage in the cycle of operation of the apparatus, as explained hereinafter, it is desired to exhaust the header line leading to the releasable torque transmitting devices it.

Such exhaust can occur by connecting the header line 8l! through a conduit |62 to the inlet of a controlvalve IUS which-` when open, will allow the air in the header line to flow through its outlet to. atmosphere, thereby relieving all of the torque transmitting devices Ill of air under pressure.

The various control valves Si, |03, 8b, 92, IQ@ illustrated may take anyT suitableform. It is preferred that they be of the type which will either be closed, to prevent the passage of a uent medium,` such as air, or operi, to permit such pas sage. It is also preferred that when closed, the outlet. of the valve will be` open to atmosphere; soas to automatically bleed the air pressure from the outlet and the particular lineconnected thereto.

One form of'valve that may be used, and which lendsf itself to actuation by cams, is disclosed in 16. This valve includes a body |24 having an inlet itl-5 andan outlet We'. An annular seat l?- is form-ed in the bodyY between the inlet and the outlet, and this seat is engageabl'e by a valve head m8' of disc-like form,v which is urged into engagement with the'seat |97 fby a helical', spring id bearing upon the underside of. thev head and upon the. valve body IM. Secured to and eX- tending from. the head is a valve stem |||l slidabl'ein the Valve body. This stem is shifted downwardly (as disclosed in Fig. 16), to remove the head i618 from its companion seat |01, by a plunger extending upwardly out of thev body tilt, the plunger having a lower head I l2 engaging the upper end of thev stem till'. When the head Hit is. thus shifted to open position against the force. exerted by the valve. spring. |il9, anatmosphericy exhaust port I-I3 in the upper end of the body is closed by the plunger head l2. When the plunger i| If isf released, the. valve head |08 is engaged with its seat IIl'I by the spring |09. Aty the same. time, the plunger head ||2 is elevated abovev the: exhaust port ||3 and a passage- IIE. in the stem titi is placed in communication with the exhaustl port. ||3,. allowing the air under pressure in the outlet |06 to bleed through the stem passage I`|=4 and out through the exhaust port IIB.

The operation of the` various control valves is determined. by a timer motor H25 which drives acain sha-ft IIB through. the. agency of a suitablereduction gearing |I"I and aty the proper speed. This cam shaft H5, is rotatably supported in suitable ybearing supporting members H81 and has a cam d b, c, d c aixed thereto for each of the valve control devices' S'If, Ill3, 36, 92., IM. The cams may be of the radial typev their peripheries being engageablef with the respective. valve` p-lungers. III. Another cam f is attached to the cam shaft IIS for operating a disconnect switch lill,` which has the purpose of eiecting opening of the circuit` to the timer motor H5.

Current to the.- timer motorv is derived from a suitable source |29; passing through one conductor |21. to the timer motor I-I'b.l and' through another conductor |22 to: the' central portion of a rotary ratchet switch |23' having circumferentially spaced contacts lill' thereon engageable by a sui-table conductive arm |25 connected by a lead r2.6 to the other terminal ofv the power source |12@ When the arm |25 engages one of the rotary contacts |24, the circuit4 through the. timer motor H5 is completed, and, when disengaged therefrom, the circuit is broken.

The completion of the circuit to the timer motor I'Ie is. instituted by the work W and the conveyor II, when the work reaches a position in which its nuts l are in alignment with the spindles 22' and socket heads iii on the releasable torque transmitting devices lf3. When the work W arrives at. this position, it closes a starting switch i2? connected in series with the sourceof power |128I and a solenoid coil |23. A lead 9'29 runs from one terminal of the sou-roe of power l2@ to the starting switch |2'I, another lead |39` running from the starting switch to the solenoid coil |1281, from which a lead I3l extends back to the other terminal of the source of power |26). When the. starting switch I2? closes the circuit to the'l solenoid |23, the flexible, leaf spring-like solenoid plunger |332 is movedl outwardly into engagement with one of the ratchet teeth |33 on the rotary switch |23, to rotate the ratchet switch tra to a position in which one of its contacts l2@ engages the switch arm |25, completing the circuit to the timer motor H5. The starting switch lf2? may' remain closed until the work 'W isk removed' froml engagement with it. When this occurs, the switch |27 is opened and the solenoid' plunger |32 retracted by a suitable spring (not shown).

The. circuit to the timer motor is disrupted"b5l latched in released position. The timer motor I I continues to rotate the cam shaft I'Il and: the cams, the high pressure earn d maintaining the plunger III depressed for a sufficient time to insure that all of the torque transmititng devices Ill have tightened the nuts IGI to the required higher torque value, the primary clutches all being released` and latched in their released position. The advancing cama then rides off the plunger I iI of its companion valve 9,1, allowing the latter to close and allowing the line Sli from the advancing cylinder GS to bleed through the valve 9i to atmosphere, whereupon the retracting spring 'It can shift the piston lil, rod 1I and slide member I5 to the left, to completely remove the sockets E@ from the nuts It and out of the path of the threaded studs I2.

As the cam shaft IIG continues to rotate, the exhaust cam b engages its plunger III to openv the valve IGS, bleeding the header line 8G to atmosphere and relieving the torque transmit.- ting devices it of all air under pressure. During the time that this is happening, the disconnect cam f will momentarily close the disconnect switch H9, completing the circuit through the disconnect solenoid ISE `and causing its plunger I 38 to rotate the ratchet switch i291 to a position disrupting Contact with the switch arm |25, and breaking the circuit to the timer motor H5, which will new corne to rest.

The above sequence of events is illustrated graphically in Fig. 2, which indicates. the rota-- tion of. the cams and cam shaft in a clockwise direction through one revolution, as shown by the arrow Ulli, starting from the lower reference arrow I4I.. v'lhe shaded areas in Fig. 2 repre.- sent the portion of the revolution of the camsthat their associated valves` and switch are operated'. After the starting switch I2l1 has closed, to cause the starting solenoid plunger it?! to rotate the rotary switch 23 and complete the circuit to the timer motor lid, the latter begins rotating, the cam shaft Iii and the radial cams. The first cam to come into play is the low pressure cam c, which opens the low pressure control valve and pressures each releasable torque transmitting device iii. The next cam to come into play is the advancing earn a that opens its companion valve tl, allowing air under pressure to low into the advancing cylinder t9. The advancing valve 9i remains open during almost the complete cycle of operation of the apparatus, as indicated the shaded area in Fig. 2. rIhe torque transmitting devices It' are shifted onto the nuts it, the low pressure cam c keeping the valve tti open a suiiicient length of time toA inn sure tightening of all of the nuts Iii to the predetermined low torque value, at which time all of; the primary clutches are latched in disconnected position. The low pressure cam c can then ride ofi the plunger of the valve 36, to allow the low pressure valve liti to close.

As seen in Fig. 2, the next cam to come into operation is the return lcam e that opens the return cylinder valve i Gil, causing air to flow to the return cylinder it, pushing its piston 'lli to the left, which moves the slide member it to the left, The extent of motion of the slidey member IS to the left need only be sumcient vto effect disengagement of all of the secondary clutches 25, 26, and need not be so extensive as to remove the socket heads 2d from the nuts lll'. Such dis.- engagement of the secondary clutches releases the latches 53. from holding the driven members 3.3 of the prima-ry clutches disengaged, allowing the return springs 62; to reengage all of those clutches. Thereafter, the high pressure:I cam dy becomes effective to open the high pressure control valve 912, rep-ressuring all of the releasable torque transmitting device Iii with a higher air pressure, the low pressure icheck valve 88 preventing this air from entering the low pressure control valve 3E. Thereafter, the return cam e rides oil its plunger I II, to allow the return cylin-` der valve I fili to close, which bleeds the air in the return cylinder 'lil' to atmosphere and allows. the piston 'lil in the advancing cylinder 69 to again shift the slide member I6 to the right, reengaging all of the secondary clutches 25, 26 and causing the individual electric motors 66 to again impose torque, through the releasable torque transmitting devices ill, on the nuts It. The nuts will each be tightened to the predetermined higher torque, the high pressure cam d holding the high pressure control valve t2 open for a sufficient time to insure that all of the nuts I0 have been tightened to they higher torque value, and that all of the primary clutches 4I, :'53 have been dis-- engaged and latched in disengaged position. The high press-ure cam d then rides 01T its companion valve plunger I II, allowing the high pressure control valve 92. to close.

As the timer motor I I5 continues to rotate, the advancing cam a will ride ofi its plunger III, allowing the advancing valve 91 to close, bleed= ing the air in the advancing cylinder 69 to atmosphere and allowing the retracting spring 'i2 to shift the slide member i6 to the left and to its` initial position. Thereafter, the exhaust cam b' will engage its plunger III, to open the exhaust valve itt. and bleed the header line 8D to atmosphere, relieving it of all pressure. While this is occurring, the disconnect cam f will close the' disconnect switch Hi)v to complete the circuit to the disconnect solenoid |36, which will rotate the switch i23- to a position breaking thel circuit to the timer motor l l 5.

It is apparent that the threaded fastening elements, such as the nuts lll, have been tightened in a plurality of stages. The nuts have rst been tightened by substantially simultaneously rotating them to a predetermined torque value, which is lower than the final torque value desired. The torque transmitting devices It are automatically released when this lower torque Value is reached, the devices being reset, subjected to a higher torque releasing force and then reapplied to the nuts it to 'tighten them tov a inal higher torque. Inasmuch as each nut has been tightened to a preliminary torque value, greater assurance is had that all of the nuts will be tightened to the higher and final torque value when the turning effort is reapplied to them, since it is only nec.- essary to turn each nut a comparatively small fraction of a revolution to tighten them to the higher torque value. Such tightening action will occur on all of the nuts substantially simultaneously, assuring that each nut carries its proper share of the holding load.

If desired, the high pressure regulating `valve 96' can be adjusted to provide the saine pressure in. the accumulator 82 as the low pressure regu-- lating valvel Sli, provides in accumulator 81. When this occurs, the nuts will be tightened to the same torque two different times, but since they have all, been tightened to a particular torque during the first stage of operation of the apparatus, any nut' or nuts, which have been relieved of' their share ofthe load after release ol the torque transmitting deviceV or devices 'applied thereto,

will again be brought back to the desired degree of tightness when substantially the same torque is again reapplied to them.

In general, the system illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 is essentially the same as the system shown in Fig. l, except that it utilizes electromagnetic torque releasing devices Ilia for tightening the threaded fastening elements l@ to the predetermined high and low torque values. The same timer motor and switch arrangement is employed as in the Fig. l device, and also air ressure is availed of for shifting the slide member E and the torque transmitting devices Mia carried thereby to and from operating engagement with the nuts l0, or other threaded fastening elements.

Each torque transmitting device iriay is mounted in the standards in exactly the same way as the devices l@ disclosed in Fig. l. The devices themselves, however, are such as to hold the primary clutch teeth 39, it in engagement electromagnetically. As shown in Fig. '1, each releasable torque transmitting device la is essentially the same as the device illustrated in Fig, 3, except that electromagnetic instrumentalities are employed for holding the primary clutch engaged, rather than fluid or air instrumentalities. The drive shaft 42d has a driving clutch member drum or sleeve lla secured to it, the forward end of which has the cam type of driving clutch teeth 65), These driving clutch teeth are engageable with the companion driven clutch teeth 39 on the driven clutch member 33a, which transmits its drive through the spline balls 35, driven member 2l' and secondary clutch 25, 25 to the spindle 22, in the same manner as the device shown in Fig. 3. In addition, the latch and latch releasing elements 56, 53, Ell, etc. are essentially the same as the device shown in Fig. 3.

The driven clutch member 33a, is held with its teeth 39 in engagement with the driving clutch teeth lll by an electromagnet arrangement. rl"hus, the driven clutch member 33a has a transverse wall Stil that forms armature attractable by the pole piece HSS of an electromagnet having a coil lli'i wound around the core MS that terminates in the pole piece. rlhe electromagnet is attached to the driving clutch sin; so as to rotate therewith. Current to the electromagnet is supplied through a pair of longitudinally spaced collector rings i139, l5@ mounted on an insulating sleeve lli! secured to the drive shaft alla, there being leads E52, 53 running from the collector rings to the coil M7. When current is caused to pass through the coil, it exerts a magnetic attracting force on the armature portion 45 of the driven clutch member 33a., tending to hold the driven clutch member in engaged position with the driving clutch member da. When the torque transmitted between the cam clutch teeth 39, Il@ exceeds a value corresponding to the holding force of the electromagnet, the armature M5 and the driven membei' 33a are shifted forwardly to break the holding force of the magnet and allowing the driven member to be shifted completely out of clutching relation to the driving member sila, in which position the driven member 33a is held by the latch device 53, 56, etc. The holding force of the electromagnet Uit-l is can be changed by changing the current owing through the electromagnet coil Ml', in order to increase or decrease the torque required to disengage the primary clutch da, 33a. In all other respects than those noted, the releasable torque transmitting device shown in Fig. 7 is the same, and functions the same, as the device illustrated in Fig. 3.

As disclosed in Fig. 5, the cam shaft HG has the advance cam a, return cam e and disconnect switch cam secured to it, which operate the advance cylinder valve 9i, the return cylinder valve lill) and the disconnect switch H9, respectively. In addition, the cam shaft H6 has a low voltage cam c1 attached to it, as well as a high voltage cam d1. The low voltage cam cl bears upon a follower 55 secured to a switch arm 156 which is movable into engagement with a contact t5? that has a lead 58 running to a suitable low Voltage source i591. The switch arm is connected through a suitable lead IED to brushes it! bearing upon one of the collector rings 50 on each o1' the releasable torque transmitting devices illu. Another line M2 runs from the low voltage source 59 to another lead IGS connected to brushes iii@ bearing upon the other collector rings MB of the releasable torque transmitting devices.

A high voltage cam d1 is also attached to the cam shaft H6 for operating a switch arm |65 that is connected to the mst-mentioned lead 169 running to the collector rings E58, the switch arm being movable by the cam d1 into engagement with a contact |65 connected to a lead |61 running to a source of high voltage Hit, this source being connected through another lead |69 to the conductor 53 running to the other collector rings lS.

.ln the operation of the system, illustrated in Fig. 5, the worlr W is moved by the conveyor Il to a position in which its nuts it are in alignment with the spindles 22 of the electromagnet reieasable torque transmitting devices ma, at which point the starting switch l2l is closed; so that the starting solenoid plunger 132 rotates the switch 23 to a position closing the circuit through the timer motor i l5. This motor begins rotating, to rotate the cam shaft H6 and the cams a, c1, d1, e, f. The low voltage cam c1 moves its companion switch arm l into engagement with the contact Ml' connecting all of the electromagnetic coils lll in the torque transmitting devices with the low voltage source B59, holding each primary clutch lila, 33a engaged by the attracting iorce imposed by the electromagnet itt-48 on the armature M5. The advance cam a then opens its companion valve Sl', causing the advance piston 'd to shift the slide l5 and the torque transmitting devices 14a towards the work W, the socket heads 2li becoming coupled to the nuts lll. The electric motors (it then rotate the nuts l-'l through the torque transmitting devices Mc until they are tightened against the work W to a predetermined torque value, at which point the driving cam teeth 40 will bear upon the driven cam teeth 3S on each device lila to overcome the holding force of the electromagnet, shifting the driven clutch members 33a forwardly to a disengaged position, in which they are held by the latch device 53, 60, etc. The return cam e then opens its companion valve itil, to allow air to enter the return cylinder lll, which moves its piston i3 to the left (as seen in Fig. 5) to shift the slide it and the torque transmitting devices ldd to the left suihciently to disengage all of the secondary clutches 25, 26, which action releases all of the latches 53 and allows the springs t2 to'reengage the primary clutches sla, 33a.

The low voltage cam then is rotated sufficiently to allow its switch arm 156 to move away from engagement with the low voltage contact |51, whereupon the high voltage cam d1 moves its switch arm |65 into engagement with the high voltage contact |66, which imposes a higher voltage upon all of the electromagnetic coils |41, which then hold their respective armatures |45 and primary clutch elements 3.9, 40 in driving engagement. The return cam e is then rotated to a position allowing its companion valve to close, which bleeds the line |8| leading to the return cylinder 14 to atmosphere, allowing the air under pressure in the advancing cylinder 69 to reshift its piston 10 and the slide member |6 to the right, to reengage the secondary clutches 25, 26 and cause all of the nuts I0 to again be subjected to torque. Since each electromagnetic coil |41 now has a greater voltage and current imposed upon it, it will hold the armature |45 with a greater force, requiring a correspondingly greater torque to be imposed upon each nut before the cam teeth 39, 48 of the primary clutch can exert sufficient force to shift each armature |45 away from its companion magnet, and disengage each primary clutch 8| a, 33a.

The cam shaft I 6 and cams continue rotating, the high voltage cam d1 riding off the switch arm |65, allowing the latter to shift back to open position with respect to its contact |66, breaking the circuit to the electromagnetic coils |41. The advance cam a has then been rotated to a posi` tion allowing its valve 91 to close, which bleeds the air in the advancing cylinder 69 to atmosphere and allows the return spring 12 to shift the slide member |,6 and all of the torque transmitting devices lala to their initial positions, entirely out of engagement with the nuts 18 and out of the path of trave1 of the work W on the conveyor After this occurs, the disconnect cam f will close the disconnect switch I9, to complete the circuit to the solenoid |36, causing its plunger |38 to rotate the ratchet contact switch |23 to a position breaking the circuit to the timer motor ||5.

Here again, as in the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1, the high voltage source |68 may, if desired, be varied to any degree relative to the low voltage source |59, and it may, for that matter, be caused to provide the same voltage as the low voltage source; so as to subject the threaded fastening elements 8 twice to the same torque value, which will insure retightening of any threaded fastening element that may have been deprived of some of its holding force, during the initial tightening stage, by the later tightening of one of the other fastening elements.

Fig. 6 is a timing diagram of the sequence of events just described in connection with Fig. 5. The cams are rotated in the direction of the arrow |48a, and, starting from the position indicated by arrow |4|a, the shaded area for each cam indicates the relative period in the cycle of operation that it is effective to operate its associated valve or switch.

In the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 8, releasable torque transmitting devices |4b of the type shown in Figs. l0 to l5, inclusive, may be used. Each device includes an outer casing |10v having a drive shaft |1| rotatable in an end closure |12, and a spindle 22a rotatable in the opposite end of the casing. The drive shaft |1| is suitably coupled to a prime mover, such as an electric motor 86, whereas the driven spindle 22a also has the non-circular end 23 extending outwardly of the casing, on which a wrench socket 24' may be mounted for coupling engagement with a threaded fastening element, such as the nut |0.

The drive shaft |1| has a driving clutch membei` |13, in the form of a drum or housing, secured to it which is provided with inwardly projecting drive teeth |14, each of which is engageable with the power arm portion |15 of a clutch pawl |16, in the form of a bell crank lever pivotally mounted upon a fulcrum pin |11 secured to a driven clutch member |18 integral with, or secured to, a driven shaft |19, in the form of a torsion member or tube extending forwardly of the device toward the spindle 22a. The forward end of the torsion member I 19 has driving clutch teeth engageable with driven clutch teeth |8| secured to the spindle 22a, to provide a secondary clutch, corresponding to the secondary clutch of the devices illustrated in Figs. 3 and 7.

The coengaging faces on the drive teeth |14 and the clutch pawls |16 (see Fig. 14) are such that the force transmitted between the two tends to swing the power arms |15 inwardly and out of engagement with the drive teeth |14. Such disengagement is prevented in a positive manner by a holding or locking device, in the form of a disc or ring |82 disposed coaxially of the drive shaft |1| and engaging the holding arm portion |83 of each clutch pawl, which extends inwardly from the fulcrum pin |11. It is evident from Figs. 10 and 14 that the lock disc |82 holds the arms |83 in an outward position, to maintain the power arms |15 in full engagement with the clutch teeth |14 on the drive member. The lock disc |82 is urged in this direction by a reset spring |84 disposed within a bore |85 in the drive shaft 1| and bearing upon the end kof a lock shaft |86 integral with the disc |82 and piloted Within the bore.

The primary clutch elements |14, main engaged so long as the lock disc |82 is positioned behind the holding arms |83 of the clutch pawls. Disengagement of the lock disc occurs whenever a predetermined torque, for which the device is adjusted or set, is transmitted through the torsion tube |19. As the torque transmitted through the tube increases, it is twisted; so as to eventually complete a circuit through an electromagnet |81 around the torsion tube |19. When the circuit is completed, the electromagnet |81 is attracted toward the driven clutch member disc |18, pushing upon a plurality of release pins |88 secured to and extending longitudinally from the lock disc |82 through holes |89 in the driven clutch member. The magnetic attraction of the electromagnet |81 by the driven clutch member |18 pushes the pins |88 and lock disc |82 rearwardly against the force of the reset spring |84 suiliciently to dispose the lock disc |82 out of engagement with the inner shoulders |98 of the holding arms |83. When such disengagement occurs, the drive teeth |14 can immediately swing the power arms |15 inwardly and out of engagement therewith, to disrupt the drive to the secondary clutch |88, |8|.

The circuit to the electromagnet |81, as stated above, is controlled by the amount of twist imparted to the relatively elongate torsion member or tube member |19. The driven clutch member |18 has a bar |9| extending longitudinally therefrom, on which a plurality of terminals |92, |93 are mounted. Each terminal is threaded into the bar and has a lock nut |94 thereon for securing the terminal in adjusted position. The ter- |16 will reminals |92, |93 each have a contact |95 or |95 slidably disposed 19 adapted to be engaged by companion contacts |91, |98 of a plurality of terminals |99, 289 carried on a bar 29| fixed to an outer drum member 282 surrounding the torsion tube |19 and secured to the latter at its forward portion, as by means of a plurality of pins 293.

The outer drum 292 transmits substantially no torque, whereas all of the torque or load is being transmitted through the elongate tube |19. As a result, there is a twist, or angular movement, between the rearward portion of the torque tube 119 with respect to its forward portion; so as to move the driven clutch member |18 angularly with respect to the outer drum 292, shifting the clutch member contacts 19E, 19B toward the drum member contact |91, 199. When sufficient torque is transmitted through the torsion tube |19, a selected pair of contacts |95, |91 or |98, 198 will engage to complete the circuit through the electromagnet |81 and effect removal of the locking disc 182 from behind the pawl arms |83, causing immediate disengagement of the primary clutch 11d, |19.

As disclosed in the drawings, two pairs of contacts |95, |91 and |99, |98 are provided to effect release of the primary clutch at two different torque values. With no load being transmitted, one set of contacts |95, |91 is spaced closer together than the other set of contacts 199, |98; so that the first set of contacts |95, |91 will engage at a lower torque value transmitted through the torsion tube |19 than the other set of contacts 19S, |98. The terminals |99, 299 are slidably mounted in the drum bar 28|, being urged toward the other terminals |92, |93 by the springs 294, the extent of such movement being limited by transverse pins 285 passing through the terminals and engaging the bar 28|.

The circuit through the electromagnet coil |81 may be completed when any selected set of contacts |95, |91 or |95, 198 engage. Current is derived from a suitable power source 296, such as a battery or generator, one pole of the source being connected through a conductive lead 291 to a brush 298 engaging a slip ring 299 electrically connected to one of the clutch member contacts |98. The source of power 298 is also connected through a suitable lead 2|() to a switch arm 21| that is movable into and out of engagement with a contact 212 connected to another brush 213 by means of a suitable lead 219, the brush engaging another collector ring 2|5 having a lead 2|9 running to the other terminal |95 carried by the driven clutch member 118. The other pole of the power source 296 is connected to a third brush 2|1 bearing on a third collector ring 218 connected through a lead 219 to one end of the electromagnet coil |81, the other end of the coil being connected through suitable leads 229, 22| to the terminals |99, 289 carried by the outer drum 282.

When the selector switch 211, 212 is closed, the pair of contacts 195, |91 spaced closer to one another is made effective; so that when sufhcient torque has been transmitted through the torsion tube |19 to twist it to the desired angular extent, the contacts |95, |91 are engaged and the electromagnet coil energized, the latter being attracted and shifted toward the driven clutch member disc |18, to release the lock member |82 from the holding arms |88, enabling the driving clutch teeth |151 to force the clutch pawls |18 out of engagement therewith. If the selector switch 21|, 212 is opened, engagement between the pair of contacts 195, 191 just referred to can have no effect on the electromagnet coil 181. Accordingly, a greater torque must be transmitted through the torsion tube 119, to twist it to a greater angular extent before the other pair of contacts 196, S98 are brought into engagement, which will complete the circuit through the electromagnet coil 181 and cause it to move the lock disc |82 from behind the holding arms |83. Of course, when the first pair of contacts |95, |91 engage, they do not interfere with continued movement of the other pair of contacts |95, |98 toward one another, since the drum terminal 199 can move within its supporting bar 29| against the action of the helical spring 289.

Following release of the clutch pawls 118 from the driving teeth 119, they yare latched in such releasing position by a mechanism now to be described. During the transmission of torque through the device, the spindle 22a has been moved inwardly, or rearwardly, to engage the secondary clutch teeth |89, 18|, such engaging action being maintained against the clutch releasing force of a compression spring 222 disposed between the inner face of the spindle 22a and the forward face of the torsion tube |19. A rod 223 is secured to and coaxially of the spindle 22a, extending longitudinally through the central bore 224 of the tube |19 to the region of the driven clutch member disc |18. This rod has a spring seat 225 attached to it, against which one end of a latch actuating spring 226 bears, the other end bearing against a latch sleeve 221 slidable on the rod 223 and disposed within a recess or counterbore 228 in the rearward portion of the torsion tube |19. This latch sleeve has an inwardly directed flange 229 engageable by a head 239 at the rear end of the rod 223, for the purpose of effecting resetting of the mechanism, in the manner described hereinafter.

When the lock disc |82 is disposed behind the shoulder portions |99 of the holding arms 183, the rear end of the latch sleeve 221 bears upon the transverse faces of the holding arms 183, the latch sleeve 221 being disposed within the counterbore 228, and such bearing engagement preventing the actuating spring 228 from shifting the latch sleeve to its latched position. When the lool: disc |82 is shifted rearwardly by the electromagnet |81, out of engagement with the clutch pawls |18, the drive teeth |14 shift the power arm portions |15 of the clutch pawls inwardly, the momentum swinging the holding arms |83 across the end face of the latch sleeve 221 and out of engagement with the latter. When this occurs, the actuating spring 228 is effective to shift the latch sleeve 221 rearwardly to a position in engagement with the transverse rearward surfaces 23| of the holding arms |83, as illustrated in Fig. 15, securing the holding arms 183 in the position to which they have been swung by the driving teeth |14, which maintains the power arm portions |15 of the clutch pawls 11B completely out of the path of movement of the drive teeth |19.

The latch sleeve 22'.' cannot be released until the secondary clutch 189, |81 has been disengaged. When the endwise force on the spindle 22a is released, the spring 222 shifts the spindle in a, forward direction, to disengage the secondary clutch teeth |89, 18| from one another. Such forward movement also moves the rod 223 with the spindle, causing the rod head 239 to engage the sleeve flange 229, pulling the latter in a forward direction back into the counterbore 22B in the torque tube |19 and out of engagement with .the .transverse surfaces :2&1 ofitherholdingnrms .1.113, .as :illustrated in .1.3. .ets .soon x.as Lthe sleeve. .2 2 1..is1remo,ved .from the zholding arms .1:83, .,a-V tension Anesetispring ..2-3 2, fsecuredtto l one .endsof `eachiholdingrarm 183.and-..at.its othenend .to the driven `clutch .member .1.18, .is reflective -.to swing reach .holding .arm back .to .its iinitial ,position, -to reposition .the ipower arm 1.15 .outwardly .to .-.the ,point where .they `can `be .reeneaged `hylthe .drive teeth .1111. .Upon the `swinging'of .theiholding arms .183 .to.their.initial,position, theiresetfspring .'184 is efiective to .shift `lthe yJock disc .I 812 .in .ra forward direction .and back :behind .the .holding armshoulders 11111, -maintaining ithe ,power arms .L1.53-1ocked..in. .driving `engagement .with `the .drive teeth 1.1.4. Off course, the resettingioperatiomjust described .will `orilyaoncur upon .disruptionpf the circuit Lto Lthe electromagnet 181.

The -wrenchsocket .2'4 lmay -now berreapplied .to the work, lto ,push the spindle 22a .rearwardly and .reengage fthe secondary clutch Y|811, ,181, .whereupon .theurleasable ,torque .transmitting `device 1.41) szagaineleotive 'totightena threaded Lfas'teriingrlemeritfll to the,predetermined.torque .value at which '.the .contacts '1115-138 lhave ,been f starting and stoppingswitch control ,mechanism 'H9-"13B therefor, is Vthe .same as in the other formsof .theinven'tion "Thepair -o'f ,contacts 11115. .191 or`1 9.6, 1.9.8 to'beeiective'in all df'the.releasableitorque transmitting ,devices `1`4b.is. selected by acam c1?, mounted on .thetimer cam shaft '1.1.6, bythe movement o'faswitch arm? 1'1, which corresponds 'to the. switch arm illustrated 'in'Fig- 11., but which controls the passage of current'toall ofthe sets of closer .spaced contacts '195,11911in all-ofthetorgue transmitting .devices 11H7. "IIhus, the arm"21^1`is connected through a suitable lead ringsl'yrunning'to 'the-contacts "1 95 ,carriedby the driven clutchmember f'supporting 'bars 191. Theother contacts *f onthe 'driven "clut'chinember'supporting hars'are connectedv to oneple :o'f a'source of-power"211,ithroughthe collector rings `2D9,"brus`hes2'08 an'd lead 2162. .The othergpole ofthe source o'f` powertl 'iscOnneoteii'through a suitable "lead S2213 .to .all of the brushes 1"2 11 engaging Y.the :collector .rings '2118 electrically .connected to one .end `oi the electromagnetic coils 181.. 'Iherstementioned,poleofthe power source 2111.is.also.connected througnasuitable lead 2144 with a contact 245 engageable by A.the.,cam.op erated.switch,arm.2 1.1.

.,I-t apparentfthat when thacamzcmfshifts the switch arm :2 1.1 into. ,engagement with, its zcontact 245, l.thecircuit .to each .electromagnet e181: can be completed .Whenthe closer spaced Y.contacts 195, 1.81 kengage one Yanother, .which .will cause tthe torgue .transmitting .devices `1111) ito .release .iat .a lower .tongue value When the fswitch N211, e245 is..open,ithe: closerfspaced contactseare ineffective; so :that the .further 2 spaced .contacts .196, Y1118 mustheengagedethroughtransmission one higher tordus, :to efiectlrelease of :each .of -zthe torque transmitting devioestmb. y

iEIhe /operation -of .the :apparatus ldisclosed in Fig. t8 will fnow :be described, reference .-also .being :made .to .the timing .diagram shown .inlFig .9. Theftimer-.motor `,r11-5 is started by the A'starting switch -I 2-1'.when the `:threaded `fastening .elements yt on the `wordt LW rare `.shifted into alignment with i the itorque ftr-ansmitting .devices Mb. As-l the cam ishaft 111i frotates, it `causes .the nam 011 :tofclose thefswitch .2| 1, .245 v`,which makes the closer `.spaced contacts 11115J .1111 effective. The advancing 'cam a lthen opens its associated .valve 4:111, .to .allow eair .to ,pass zinto -the advancing cylinder 69, which causes the slide member .1&6 and .releasable -torgue transmitting devices .Mb .to be :shifted toward the @work "W, 'to place the Wrench sockets :2-4 in .coupling engagement with fthe nuts 15. .Ilhe ,-nuts vare lall Vrunrelovvn on the threadedstuds ft2 fag-ainstthe -workuntil the ,preselected lower torqueisreached, at which time :the `circuit .through each of the felectromagnets 1&1 is .completed :by engagement .of rthe contacts 135 191,causing .each .electromagnet 181 .to remove .its .companion look zdisc 1:82 -.and disrupt .the drive -ato l,the releasable torque etransmitting..devices Mb, the latchisleeve :i221 fthen being ,projected behind the :holding @arms .1811 :to maintain '.the. clutchf pawls 1|-1 6=.out..ofdriving-engagement with the driving teeth 114.

:Afterssufcientitime haseelapsed tofinsure that thegpririr1-a13y..clutchesy 1114, 11.161.011 all `of the :torque transmitting :de-vices .-'have .ibeen released, "the cam p11 v.fridesfoff the `switch-arm ,21f1,-.allowing the latter V to .shift fback from the :contact 2:45, rendering :thee closerfspaced'contacts 11115 "1 91 iineective atoieomplete the circuit through each of the electromagnetic :coils 11111. .The .return or .retreating earn e then .becomes eiective to openxits ,valve flut, allowing .-air under pressure toaenter the return cylinder 14, 'which Tshifts zthe slide ..16 u:away `from the -work :to -a :sufficient Sextent gto allow the springs i222 fto vvdisengage :the secondary clutches 1:1311, l18.1, and \to icause fthe release .heads 211.1] i on -the iirods .122e to .remove the latch .sleeves @221 .from their holding positions against ,the .clutch v :pawls `r11d, -vvvhi'ch ,then ienables .the .reset .springs .12:62 f to .shift the clutch .pawls aback into. engagement vvvith thesdrive I teeth 11.4 .of theprimary clutch.

Asthe-.camfshaft Ht continues toirotategthe return lcam :.e frides oli the plunger yof its #associatedwalve 1.13.1],pallowing'zth-e latter to closeand bleeding the air Lin the :return acylinder :1:4 `to atmosphere, which :then l causes .the piston 11.11 -in the .advancing cylinder 1,59 :to again shift the slide member r1.6 f'andzthe torque @transmitting :devices mlb :toward the work ".W, reengaging the secondary :clutches .2.1.1611, 1131 @and allowing the turning feiort #to zagain :be imposed upon the nuts 10. A greater turning-effortforftorquemust he @imparted to fthe inuts fbefore the A'primary clutches iare 'individually released, since each torsion `tuble 'liunust'ithenbe*twisted ltofaagreater-exterlt 'to-bring "the'other'setsiof contacts 1196, 15913 Viinto engagement, Ifor the 'purpose of 'completing 'the 'circuits .through "the electromagnet coils 11,111. .When 'this occurs, .eachiloc'k disc 1.122 is."forced'rearwardlyA o ut ,o'f .engagement with the holding arms 183, allowing the driving ,teeth 11.4 .to...disconnect` the .clutch ,pawl arms l1.15, swinging .the.. holding .arms 1.83 across .the rlatch sleeve r221.1 ,to a -position .in .which .the latter :is again @projected 4.by Ythe .spring .Q2-Z6 into fa :posi- 23 tion maintaining the clutch pawls |15 out of the path of the driving teeth |14.

As the cam shaft IE6 continues to rotate, the advancing cam a rides off the plunger of the advancing valve 91, allowing the latter to close and the air in the advancing cylinder 59 to bleed to atmosphere, the retracting spring 12 then returning the slide member It and releasable torque transmitting devices I4b to their initial positions. Continued rotation of the cam shaft I5 causes the disconnect cam f to close the disconnect switch II9 and eiect stopping of the timer motor II5, in the manner described in connection with the other forms of the invention.

As with the other embodiments of the invention, the releasable torque transmitting devices 14h may be used to apply the same torque twice to the threaded fastening elements i9. This can be done by having the sets of contacts I95, 191 and ISG, ISB spaced the same distance from each other; so as to be engaged when the torsion tube 19 is subjected to the same torque.

Another manner of subjecting the threaded,

fastening elements I3 twice to the same torque is to design the cam C11 so that it holds the switch 2li, 245 closed for a sufficient length of time to allow the torque transmitting devices to be reapplied to the nuts Ill and then released a second time.

A hand operated gang apparatus is disclosed in Figs. 1'7 to 19, inclusive, for tightening a plurality of threaded fastening elements in stages to the desired final torque values. This apparatus includes an outer housing or case 259 which may be supported from a suitable cable or line 251 attached to a bail 252 secured to a band or strap 253 encircling the housing.

A prime mover 254, such as an electric motor, is mounted coaxially in the housing 25B, its drive shaft 255 having a flywheel 255 thereon, and being connected to a pinion 251 which meshes with a plurality of driven gears 258 secured to the drive shafts 42 of releasable torque transmitting devices I4 mounted in the housing. These devices I4 may be of the air controlled type illustrated in Fig. 3 and have their axes disposed concentrically about the axis of the motor 254 and pinion 251. Springs 68 may encircle the elongate casing I8 of each device, bearing upon its iiange 61 to yieldably urge it toward the threaded fastening element in much the same fashion as illustrated in Fig. l. Air enters the housing 259 through a suitable line 259 and can also enter the casing I3 of each of the torque transmitting devices through its inlet port 49a. A suitable seal 260, such as a rubber O ring, may be disposed between the forward end wall 25! of the housing and the periphery of each elongated casing I8, to prevent air leakage from the housing.

Air from a suitable source may flow through high and low pressure regulator valves 262, 263 into high and low pressure accumulators 264, 265, respectively, from where it passes through suitable lines 251, 268 into an air valve 269, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 19. The air valve 269 may be manipulated to establish communication between the inlet line 259 to the housing 259 and either the low pressure line 268 or high pressure line 251.

Initially, the air valve 269 is connected to the low pressure line 268; so that each torque transmitting device I4 is subjected to relatively llow pressure and will release at a relatively low torque value. Arm holders 21u, 21I are grasped by the operator and the sockets 24 on the ends of the spindles 22 applied to the nuts (not shown). The prime mover 255 rotates, transmitting its motion through the pinion 251 and gears 258 to the drive shafts 42 of each of the torque transmitting devices i4, causing the spindles 22 and sockets 24 to rotate, tightening the nuts to the desired lower torque valus corresponding to the relatively low air pressure in each of the casings I8. Following such release, the entire device is shifted back sufficiently from the work to effect disconnection of all of the secondary clutches 25, 2S and resetting of the primary clutches 4I, 33, whereupon the air valve 269 is manipulated to place the inlet line 259 to the housing 250 in communication with the high pressure line 261, the devices I4 again being moved toward the work by the operator, to reengage the secondary clutches 25, 2S and subject the nuts to additional torque. When the higher torque is imposed on each of the nuts, the primary clutches 4I, 33 in each of the devices will automatically release and be latched in released position, the device functioning in exactly the same manner as was described in connection with the apparatus shown in Fig. 3. In this manner, the threaded fastening elements are retightened in two stages, to insure that they have all been subjected to the same nnal torque value and that they will each be carrying substantially equal portions of the holding load.

If desired, the threaded fastening elements may be subjected repeatedly to the same tightening torque. Thus, the operator can select either the high or low torque through suitable manipulation of the air valve 269, tightening the threaded fastening elements initially to the selected torque value, releasing the secondary clutches 25, 25 to effect resetting of the primary clutches 4I, 33, and then reapplying the devices I4 and the turning effort to the threaded fastening element, the devices again releasing at the same torque value, with assurance that all of the nuts have been tightened to substantially the same extent.

The inventors claim:

l. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a pluralityr of threaded fastening elements: driven means for each said elements; driving means for each of said driven means; means releasably and continuously coupling each of said driving means and driven means together for rotation together through more than one revolution until said coupling means is released when said driven means is subjected to a predetermined torque in tightening its associated threaded fastening element; means holding said coupling means in released position; and means for substantially simultaneously rendering said holding means ineffective and effecting recoupling of all of said coupling means, after they have been released, to reestablish the drive between all of said driving and driven means.

2. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: driven means for each of said elements; driving means for each of said driven means; means releasably and continuously coupling each of said driving means and driven means together for rotation together through more than one revolution until said coupling means is released when said driven means is subjected to a predetermined initial torque in tightening its associated threaded iastening element; means holding said coupling means in released position; means for substantially simultaneously rendering said holding means ineifective and effecting recoupling of said coupling means to reestablish the drive between al1 of said driving means and driven means; and means for then holding each of said coupling means engaged until said driven means is subjected to a predetermined torque higher than said initial torque.

3. -In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for rotating each of said elements, each device kincluding a driving member, a driven member, coengaging parts on said members effecting a rotatable driving connection therebetween, means responsive to a predetermined torque imposed on one of said members for effecting disengagement between said parts to completely interrupt the drive between said driving and driven members; said parts of all devices being disengaged at substantially the same torque transmitted through said one of said members; means holding said coengaging parts disengaged from each other; and means for releasing said holding means and effecting reengagement between said parts in all of said devices to reestablish the driving connection between all of the driving and driven members.

4. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for rotating each of said elements, each device including a driving member, a driven member, coengaging parts on said members effecting Ia rotatable driving connection therebetween, means responsive to a predetermined torque imposed on one of said members for effecting disengagement between said parts to completely interrupt the drive between said driving and driven members; said parts of all devices being disengaged at substantially the same torque transmitted through said one of said members; means holding said coengaging parts disengaged from each other; means for shifting said devices longitudinally of their axes; and means responsive to shifting of said devices longitudinally of their axes to release said holding means and effect reengagement between the parts in all of said devices to reestablish the driving connection between all of the driving and driven members.

5. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for rotating each of said elements, each device including a driving member, a driven member, coengaging parts on said members effecting a rotatable driving connection therebetween, means responsive to a predetermined torque imposed on one of said members for effecting disengagement between said parts to completely interrupt the drive between said driving and driven members; said parts of all devices being disengaged at substantially the same torque transmitted through said one of said members; means holding said coengaging parts disengaged from each other; means for releasing said holding means and effecng reengagement between said parts in all of said devices to reestablish the driving connection between al1 of the driving and driven members; and means for increasing the predetermined torque at which all of said torque responsive means can effect disengagement between said parts following reestablishment of the driving connection between all of the driving and driven members.

6. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for rotating each of said elements, each device including a driving membeig a driven member, coengaging parts on said members for effecting a rotatable driving connection therebetween, means responsive to a predetermined torque imposed on said driven member for effecting disengagement between said parts to completely interrupt the drive between said driving and driven members; the parts of all devices being `disengaged at substantially lthe same torque transmitted through the driven members; means holding said coengaging parts disengaged from each other; means responsive to shifting of said devices longitudinally of their axes to release said holding means and effect reengagement between the parts in all of said devices to reestablish the driving connection between all of the driving and driven members; and means for increasing the predetermined torque at which all of said torque responsive means can effect disengagement between said parts following reestablishment of the driving connection between all of the driving and driven members.

7. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for each of said elements and having disengageable means therein for disrupting the turning effort to said elements when the torque transmitted exceeds a predetermined value; means for holding said olisengageable means in disengaged position; means for advancing all of said devices relatively toward said elements to rotate the elements and tighten them to a predetermined extent; means for then relatively shifting all of said devices in va direction away from said elements to release said holding means and effect reengagement of said disrupting means; and means for then relatively advancing said devices toward the elements to impart further turning effort to the elements to tighten the elements to a predetermined torque value.

8. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for each of said elements and having disengageable means therein for disrupting the turning effort to said elements when the torque transmitted exceeds a predetermined value; means for holding said disengageable means in disengaged position, means for advancing all of said devices relatively toward said elements to rotate the elements .and tighten them to a predetermined extent; means for then relatively shifting all of said devices in a direction away from said elements to release said holding means and rupting means; means for substantially simultaneously increasing the predetermined torque at which all of said disengageable means can disrupt the turning effort imparted to the elements; and means for then relatively advancing said devices toward the elements to impart further turning effort to the elements to tighten them to such predetermined higher torque value.

9. In apparatus for simultaneously rotating a plurality of threaded fastening elements: a releasable torque transmitting device for rotating each of said elements, each device including a driving member, a driven member, coengaging parts on said members effecting a rotatable driving connection therebetween, means responsive toa predetermined torque imposed on one of said members for effecting disengagement between said parts to completely interrupt the effect reengagement of said dis-4 

